What is Fluarix Quadrivalent?
Fluarix quadrivalent is a vaccine that contains an inactivated virus to prevent influenza. Influenza (commonly called "the flu") is a serious virus-caused disease. Influenza virus spreads from person to person through saliva droplets that are released into the air by an infected individual when they cough or sneeze. The virus can be spread by touching objects that the infected individual has touched. Fluarix quadrivalent prevents infection by the influenza virus. Each year, the vaccine is redeveloped to include strains of flu virus that have been inactivated or killed and have been recommended by health officials. Fluarix Quadrivalent is an injectable vaccine that contains a virus "killed".
Fluarix quadrivalent is a drug that works by exposing your body to a small amount of virus. This helps to build immunity against the disease. This medication will not treat an infection that is already active in the body. Fluarix quadrivalent can be used by adults and children older than 6 months. Influenza is more harmful to your health if you get it than if you receive this vaccine. Influenza is responsible for thousands of deaths and hospitalizations each year. Like any medication, the vaccine may cause side effects, but there is a very low risk of serious ones. Fluarix quadrivalent, like any other vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease. This vaccine does not protect against illness caused by bird flu (avian influenza).
Warnings
Fluarix Quadrivalent is an injectable vaccine that contains a virus "killed". Infecting yourself with influenza is far more harmful to your health than getting this vaccine. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.
Similar/related drugs
Tamiflu, oseltamivir, influenza virus vaccine, inactivated, Fluzone, FluMist, and Relenza
Before you take this drug
This vaccine may not be available to you if:
- A history of a severe allergic reaction after receiving a flu shot;
- A history of Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks after receiving the flu vaccine
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Bleeding problems
- A neurologic disease or disorder affecting the head (or if it was an allergic reaction to a prior vaccine);
- Seizures;
- A weak immune system can be caused by a disease, a bone marrow transplant, certain medications, or cancer treatment.
- Allergy to latex
If you are suffering from a minor cold, vaccination could provide protection.Wait until you are better if you have a severe infection or fever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that women who are pregnant get a flu vaccine during any trimester to protect their babies and themselves from the flu. It is not recommended that pregnant women use the nasal spray version of the influenza vaccine. Fluarix quadrivalent may cause problems if breast-feeding is done. Consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks. This vaccine is not recommended for children younger than six months.
How to take Fluarix Quadrivalent?
This vaccine is administered as an injection into a muscle. This injection will be given in a clinic or doctor's office. Every year, you should get vaccinated against the flu. After receiving the Fluarix Quadrivalent, your immunity will slowly decrease over a period of 12 months. This vaccine can require a booster shot for children one month after the first dose. The Fluarix quadrivalent vaccine is typically administered in November or October. Vaccinations may be required earlier or later for some people. You should follow your doctor's advice. If your doctor recommends it, you can take an aspirin-free pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for 24 hours after the injection. Follow the directions on the medicine label or from your physician about how much to give to your child. Preventing fever in children with seizure disorders such as epilepsy is of particular importance.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You will not likely be on a schedule of dosing since flu shots are typically given once per year. If you forgot to get your annual flu shot in November or October, call your doctor. Call your doctor if your child has missed a booster shot of this vaccine.
What happens if I overdose?
It is unlikely that this vaccine will lead to an accidental overdose.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Fluarix Quadrivalent
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact an emergency medical professional immediately. If you experienced an adverse reaction from the initial dose, booster shots are not advised. Keeping track of all side effects after this vaccination is important. You will need to inform your doctor of any side effects if you need to get Fluarix Quadrivalent again in the future. The flu virus contained in the influenza virus injectable vaccine (killed) will not make you sick. Your symptoms could resemble those associated with influenza during flu season, but could actually be caused by other strains of infection.
If you experience:
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- You may experience severe weakness in your arms or legs for 2 to 4 weeks following the vaccination.
- High fever
- Seizure (convulsions);
- Unusual bleeding.
Some of the most common side effects include the following:
- Low fever and chills
- Mild fussiness or crying
- Redness, bruising, or swelling at the injection site;
- Feeling tired;
- Joint or muscle pain
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any side effects from vaccines to the US Department of Health and Human Services by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Interaction with other drug
You may be unable to get the vaccine if you are taking any of these drugs, or you may have to wait until your other treatments are complete.
- Theophylline (Coumadin), or warfarin, is also known as phenytoin.
- An oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine;
- Medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders—azathioprine, etanercept, leflunomide, and others;
- Medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection: basiliximab, cyclosporine, muromonab-CD3, mycophenolate mofetil, sirolimus, and tacrolimus.
This list is incomplete. Fluarix quadrivalent may interact with other drugs, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
